Affiliates

CALSEIA is the nations oldest solar energy association. Since the 1970s, CALSEIA has advanced the common interests of the California solar industry, helping make California's solar market the most robust in the United States. Comprised of California solar contractors, manufacturers, distributors, developers, utilities, engineers, consultants and educational organizations, CALSEIA represents a diverse membership committed to growing the California solar industry. CALSEIA is a 501 C-6 non-profit organization that primarily funded through membership dues. CALSEIA provides solar industry members located throughout California with a presence at the Capitol in Sacramento, at the CPUC in San Francisco, and at hearings and workshops throughout the state.

The Center for Solar Energy (CfSE) at UC Irvine was established in 2007 to pioneer research in solar energy conversion. The mission of the CfSE is to study the fundamental scientific principles of solar energy conversion and to educate scientists, students, and the general public about harnessing our most abundant energy resource. Current projects include solar to electric power generation, solar heat to electric power generation, water splitting for chemical fuel production, and enabling technologies for solar energy systems. From fundamental theory to long-term device testing to grid integration, the CfSE conducts research that supports all aspects of the solar energy development cycle.

The Clean Coalition is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and a modern grid through technical, policy, and project development expertise. The Clean Coalition drives policy innovation to remove barriers to procurement, interconnection, and realizing the full potential of integrated distributed energy resources, such as distributed generation, advanced inverters, demand response, and energy storage. The Clean Coalition also works with utilities to develop Community Microgrid projects that demonstrate that local renewables can cost-effectively provide at least 25% of the total electric energy consumed within the distribution grid, while maintaining or improving grid reliability. The Clean Coalition is active in numerous energy-related proceedings throughout the United States.

The Energy Engineering Research Group (E2 RG) of Lyles College of Engineering at CSU, Fresno is to seek out solutions to local, state, national and global energy challenges through ongoing strategic collaborations with industry, academia and government agencies.

Researchers at E2RG conduct various solar power related research alongside other energy topics. They include materials for batteries, a new generation of PV devices and other energy devices. Furthermore, theoretical models to simulate and optimize the performance of novel devices, demonstration of PV on things (PVoT), validation and overall solar energy systems including the all-inclusive “Solar Master Plans” are also being conducted. The general areas of research include Power Generation and Distribution, Energy Management, and Renewable Energy. For inquiries, contact Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe at AjithW[at] csufresno.edu or any other researchers.

GRID Alternatives is a nonprofit organization based in Oakland, California consisting of seven field offices located throughout the state. Its mission is to empower communities in need by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment, and training. GRID was founded in 2001 by Erica Mackie, P.E., and Tim Sears, P.E., two engineering professionals implementing large-scale renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the private sector. Combining their extensive skills and relevant engineering backgrounds, they launched the Solar Affordable Housing Program (SASH). Under this program, GRID Alternatives works with partners to design, finance, and implement solar electrical systems for both new affordable housing and existing homes of low-income homeowners. To date, GRID has installed over 2,404 solar electric systems for qualified homeowners throughout California giving confidence that GRID can successfully implement projects in partnership with other nonprofits in California and at the same time, improve the quality of life for families it serves. GRID trains and leads teams in conducting the actual installations. GRID Alternatives acts as both a nonprofit technical assistance provider and as licensed electrical contractor. It is responsible for client outreach and education, electrical system planning, building permits, preparing rebate and utility interconnection paperwork, and providing an industry-standard 10-year warranty for each system installed. GRID Alternatives also works with existing energy efficiency programs to implement basic efficiency upgrades for all clients in order to reduce energy demand and consumption at its source.

The San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization (SJVCEO) is a public-benefit nonprofit, based in Fresno, California. The SJVCEO is dedicated to promoting the widespread use of renewable energy resources and increasing energy efficiency through public education, forward planning, promotion of demonstration projects and new government policies. The SJVCEO represents the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley.

The Southern California Research Initiative for Solar Energy (SC-RISE) is a partnership of industry members, government agencies, public and private utilities, trade organizations, and academic institutions. The role of SC-RISE is to serve as an “honest broker,” providing reliable, unbiased information and advice on all aspects about solar energy. SC-RISE provides a focal point for public education, demonstration projects and faculty and graduate research. In a collaborative environment based at UC Riverside’s College of Engineering - Center for Environmental Research and Technology, SC-RISE is developing materials for solar energy, new photovoltaic devices, solar-thermal technologies and theoretical models to simulate the performance of novel device structures, as well as the integration, demonstration and validation of solar energy systems.

The California Smart Grid Center (CSGC) at Sacramento State engages in product testing of automated metering infrastructure and develops practical numerical simulation and field solutions for large-scale integration or distributed renewable energy resources. In addition, the CSGC works on grid security issues from generation, transmission, substations, distribution, and into the home or business. A very important goal of the CSGC is to empower the ratepayer to better understand energy consumption in order for them to become more energy efficient and in so doing, reduce their carbon foot-print. The Center aims to inform the development of real-time pricing of electricity by providing an unbiased proving ground where utilities, industry and the public sector will work together to impact consumer choice, global climate change and energy security. The Center works with California’s utilities to support the development of the highly desired upgrades to the nation's electric grid that will lead to the creation of the Smart Grid. The Center also helps to develop California’s Smart Grid Workforce.